There may also be other unmeasured differences
between the two programs that account for variations
in service use. Although the goal of the community
care program is the prevention of nursing home
placement for clients assessed to be at risk, it is
evident that there is a great degree of heterogeneity
in client profiles and in services provided. Given
these variations, the question of effective targeting,
that is, reaching clients truly at risk of institutionalization
(see Weissert & Cready, 1989) remains a crucial
issue particularly in light of the long waiting list for
the CCSP.
Use of Administrative Data
The study reiterates the usefulness of agencybased
data in long-term care research in providing a
richer understanding of the use of home care and
practical information for program planners. For service
agencies, the study demonstrates the value of
including important assessment and service provision
data in a computerized agency information system
to enable staff to monitor and evaluate their own
programs. Thus, program staff can better understand
how resources are being utilized and can target different
groups accordingly.